Jade City

by Fonda Lee
Jade City cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4591
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780356510484
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2017-11-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Jade City is an epic tale set in the vibrant and dangerous world of Janloon, where the No Peak and Mountain families vie for control of jade, a precious stone that amplifies a warrior's strength and speed. The city's underworld is brought to life with vivid descriptions and taut action scenes, reminiscent of classic Hong Kong gangster films. The story explores themes of family, honor, and the struggle to maintain power in a changing world. /n/n As tensions rise and violence erupts, the fate of the families and the city itself hangs in the balance. The introduction of a modern drug that allows anyone to wield jade threatens the traditional order, forcing the families to adapt or face annihilation. With high stakes and unforgettable characters, Jade City is a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power.

Reviews
La Smith Writer · La Smith · 2025-10-21
positive 4.50

The Asian setting and the addition of jade imparting special abilities were particularly enjoyable. The story is rich with cultural depth and action.

La Smith had a great time reading this book and was particularly drawn to the Asian setting, which they felt was both authentic and immersive. The idea of jade granting special abilities added a unique twist to the story, making it stand out. They appreciated the detailed world-building and the way the characters were developed, noting that the action sequences were particularly well-executed.

Quick quotes

    The Asian setting was both authentic and immersive.

    The idea of jade granting special abilities added a unique twist.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
excellent 4.50

Jade City is a gripping and immersive fantasy novel that masterfully blends political intrigue with family drama. The world-building is rich and the characters are complex, making it a standout in the genre.

Jade City is a fantastic blend of fantasy and political intrigue, set in a world where jade grants immense power. The story follows two warring families, the Kaul and the Mountain, as they navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals. The world-building is incredibly detailed, and the characters are deeply flawed and compelling. The political maneuvering is reminiscent of The Godfather, but with a unique fantasy twist. The action sequences are thrilling, and the stakes are high, making it a page-turner. The only downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, but the payoff is worth it. The themes of honor, loyalty, and power are explored in depth, making it a thought-provoking read. Overall, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy and political drama.

Quick quotes

    The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers in from the first page.

    The characters are complex and deeply flawed, making them feel real and relatable.

    The political intrigue is reminiscent of The Godfather, but with a unique fantasy twist.

cannonballread.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
insightful 4.50

The reviewer praises Robert A. Caro's meticulous approach to biographical writing, highlighting his persistence and attention to detail. They appreciate the insights into Caro's process and the value of his work in understanding political power.

Robert A. Caro is renowned for his comprehensive and detailed biographies, particularly his works on Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 'Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing,' Caro shares his approach to biographical writing, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and persistence. The reviewer highlights Caro's detective-like methods, such as tracking down interviewees and uncovering hidden documents, which have led to groundbreaking revelations. Caro's meticulousness extends to his writing process, where he drafts by hand and adheres to a detailed outline. The reviewer appreciates the insights into Caro's process and the value of his work in understanding political power. They also note Caro's old-school methods and the importance of adhering to what works for individual writers. Overall, the reviewer finds 'Working' to be a gem for those who appreciate fact-based narrative writing.

Quick quotes

    Caro is a writer who counts as royalty among biographers and is, perhaps, the king.

    His books are comprehensive — embodying rich detail and sometimes quotidian accounts — and famously years in the making.

    Caro’s meticulousness is seen in his writing process, too. He pens initial drafts by hand and then types them on his Smith Corona Electra 210 typewriter.

Laurie Is Reading · Laurie · 2024-03-31
good 3.50

The story is slow-paced, especially at the start, but the world-building and clan dynamics are well-crafted. The detailed introduction to the world and its politics is both a strength and a challenge.

Laurie found Jade City to be a slow-paced read, particularly at the beginning. However, they appreciated the detailed world-building and the intricate politics of the clans. The author takes her time to introduce the world and its complexities, which can be both a strength and a challenge for readers. Laurie noted that the story picks up pace as it progresses, making it a rewarding read for those who stick with it. The blend of magic, politics, and family drama is well-executed, and the characters are memorable.

Quick quotes

    The story is quite slow-paced, especially at the start.

    Lee takes a lot of time to introduce us to the world and the clans.

    The blend of magic, politics, and family drama is well-executed.

Appears in Lists